Forest of Dean Crime Rate July 2024 | Monthly Statistics

The crime mix in Forest of Dean for July 2024 reveals a distinct profile shaped by the area’s rural character and seasonal rhythms. With a crime rate of 5.5 per 1,000 residents—34.5% below the UK average—the local picture is markedly safer than the national average. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 43.9% of all incidents, a proportion significantly higher than the UK average of 2.9 per 1,000. This suggests that personal safety remains a priority for local authorities, even as the area benefits from its lower levels of property crime. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, making up 21.8% of total crimes, though this figure remained 17% below the UK average. The area’s low levels of vehicle crime—78% below the UK average—align with its rural setting, where car theft and vandalism are less common. Seasonal factors appear to play a role, as July’s peak tourism period likely influences crime trends, with events and festivals potentially deterring certain types of crime while increasing others. The dominance of violent crime over property crime also highlights the need for targeted interventions in areas where personal safety is most at risk, even as the overall rate remains low. This balance of crime types illustrates a community that, while not immune to violence, benefits from a combination of geographical factors, policing strategies, and the transient nature of summer visitors.

July 2024 saw significant shifts in crime patterns across Forest of Dean. Possession of weapons rose by 100% compared to June, a jump from three to six incidents. This increase, though small in absolute terms, may reflect heightened enforcement or reporting during summer festivals. Vehicle crime also surged by 62.5%, rising from eight to thirteen cases, a trend that could be linked to increased tourism and outdoor events. Conversely, shoplifting fell by 44.4%, with incidents dropping from nine to five, due to heightened retail security during peak shopping periods. Anti-social behaviour, though remaining the second most common crime, was 17% below the UK average, highlighting the area’s comparatively low levels of disruptive activity. Public order offences were 38% below the UK average, a figure that may reflect the town’s quieter, more rural environment compared to densely populated urban centres. These fluctuations illustrate the dynamic interplay between seasonal activity and local policing priorities, with specific categories such as vehicle crime showing clear links to tourism trends.

The crime rate in Forest of Dean for July 2024 remained at 5.5 per 1,000 residents, a 4.0% decrease from June’s 5.7. This decline aligns with seasonal trends, as the area’s rural character and summer tourism often correlate with reduced property crime and heightened community engagement. On a daily basis, the area recorded 16 crimes per day—a figure that, while consistent with local rhythms, remains significantly lower than the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 183 residents, a monthly exposure rate that reflects the area’s relatively stable environment. With a population of 89,753, the low crime profile may partly explain the area’s focus on community policing and the absence of high-density urban features that typically drive more frequent incidents. The daily crime count, though straightforward, underscores the balance between transient visitor activity and the stable, close-knit nature of the local population, which likely contributes to the area’s consistent safety record.